This report is about the tour: Wild Gorgany
Review of the hike “Wild Gorgans” Carpathians, 01-06.06.2014
I would like to write a review about the “Wild Gorgans” hike in the Carpathians, which took place in early June. I would like to note that this was my first real trip to the Carpathians. I was on 4 7-9 day hikes in Crimea, I was in the winter Carpathians many times, but without backpacks and tents. So I was looking forward to this trip.
The first day, to put it mildly, was shocking with its weather. They warned, and it was clearly written, that the peculiarities of the Carpathians are an abundance of rain, possible thunderstorms, winds and a drop in temperature in the summer to 3 degrees Celsius. But in hot Odessa I didn’t believe it and, in general, I prepared the equipment as for a hot hike.
On the first day, exactly the weather conditions that were warned about occurred. It was a greeting from the Carpathians. We walked for a long time in the rain, forded the river 6 times, and when we reached the parking lot, it turned out that we would not spend the night there, because... In strong winds and rain, it is problematic to lay out tents, much less to warm up and dry there. We had to walk longer than planned, and our path lay in a kolyba, where everyone warmed up and dried out on a “potbelly stove.” There came true happiness after a difficult first day. Everyone was well prepared for the further route. Then, one might say, the weather pleased us. Even though it rained almost every day. But the most important thing is that we already knew what to prepare for and what the Carpathian Mountains are.
Further the route took us to the top of the Vysokaya mountain (approximately 1800m), where an amazing view opened up for kilometers ahead. We were very lucky that day that there was no fog and it felt like we could see distant towns or the end of the mountains. At such a height it was not hot (about 7-10 degrees), and below the warm sun enveloping the mountains beckoned. And we started moving towards it, through a rocky ridge and descended into the valley, where it was much warmer and more fun.
Further our route followed wild paths, sometimes very narrow. We “cut” the mountains, walked along rocky embankments, along cliffs, in places where a person has rarely set foot. The weather pleased us, and we enjoyed the views of the mountains, alluring with their mystery. We reached a valley where horses were grazing. The day was full of impressions from what he saw.
Then the route was long, with long descents and straight sections, through wild forest. We were losing altitude and it was getting warmer. Everyone had already completely adapted to the traveling conditions, and, despite the long journey, they did not seem at all tired or exhausted. In the evening we reached a manor in the village, where they lit a bathhouse for us and set the table. I really enjoyed the reception from the locals. As I already said, I have been to the Carpathians more than once, and still every time I enjoy the hospitality, good nature and warm welcome of these residents.
I really liked the team that gathered on our hike. There were people from all over Ukraine, several people were from Belarus. Over the fires, everyone joked, told interesting and funny stories and simply shared their experiences and impressions. I also really liked the niche instructors: Oleg and Yura. They are very funny guys, showed professionalism, self-confidence, and showed sincere interest in the group. They listened to everyone and gave valuable advice. By the end of the hike, we became one team and became friends. It’s a pity that there are not enough days, but what can you do if you have to go back...
In general, the impressions from this trip were only positive! A lot of emotions and memories. I needed the hike in order to reevaluate life and values, and in this it completely helped me.<\p>
I advise everyone who is thinking about going or not to go to the Carpathians without hesitation! Just read carefully about your route, about possible weather conditions and prepare good equipment. Then neither storm, nor rain, nor wind will disturb you. Love the mountains and they will love you!
Timofey Muravenko.